NZ Clubfield & Heli Tour

7 NIGHTS | 6 DAYS SKIING/RIDING | $3,375

27 AUG – 3 SEP 2017

LAKE OHAU ADD ON FOR 3 NIGHTS, 3 – 6 SEPT $995

ENJOY SOME OF THE BEST TERRAIN IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE WITH METHVEN HELI SKI ON THIS AWESOME 7 NIGHT ‘NZ CLUBFIELD & HELI TOUR’

We have been running this tour from the start; because of our love of the small town club experience and “earning your turns”. As in all our guided ski & snowboard tours and especially in NZ, flexibility is key. That’s why on this tour when you head out from our base in the picturesque town of Methven, you’ll never know what you are going to get.

Hosted by your local certified guides, you may be heading to ride the impressive Mt Hutt or the steep chutes of Craigieburn. Then again, we may take you to the bowls of Broken River and a beer on the deck with the Kea’s or for a day riding the awesome tarn basin off the back of Cheeseman. On one of the 6 days you will also find yourself experiencing a day you’ll never forget on a Methven Heli Ski 5 run day exploring 3 mountain ranges with 200 named runs dropping 1000+ meters of vert!

The “Club Fields” are steeped in history and terrain, dating back to the late 1940’s where everyone left their cars at the main road, hiked up with a Massey Ferguson engine, rope, steel, wood and pitched in to start a rope tow, these places are skiing gold. The not for profit areas welcome like minded skiers and boarders form around the globe to “earn your turns”. Mother nature provides the playground, the snow & the grooming facilities. Wide open bowls, steep narrow chutes or easy going slopes theres plenty for everyone. Need lunch, grab a Broken River lager, the patrollers will make you a pizza and enjoy the sun drenched lodge decks. Just watch out for the Kea’s

LAKE OHAU ADDITION

3 nights/2 days skiing at Ohau. $995

After your Heli day head south to enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake Ohau area. We’ll be welcomed by the lovely people at Lake Ohau Lodge, complete with great local food, a well stocked bar and a soak in the hot tub in one of the most picturesque places in the world. With great hiking lines for powder and views to Mt Cook, delicious local food, complete isolation and views second to none, Ohau is a hidden gem.

This is a side of NZ that few get to experience and few experience it properly. To be one of the lucky few, speak to us about the Methven Club & Heli Ski Tour today. Enquire NOW

7 nights Methven, 6 days skiing/riding at Mt Hutt & the Clubbies and a 5 run Methven Heli day!!

27 AUG – 3 SEP 2016

$3,375

6 to 1 Client to Guide ratio

12 people max per tour. 4 person minimum.

SKILL LEVEL: Advanced. This tour requires that you should be able to get down black runs confidently at a reasonable speed and have high-intermediate ability in powder. You will get the most out of this tour is you have a relatively high level of fitness as we will be doing a bit of hiking (slackcountry/bootpacking) to get to the goods. Both Broken River and Craigeburn have nutcracker tow ropes which are difficult to master especially for snowboarders. If you are a snowboarder you need to be of advanced ability or an extremely fit/keen high-intermediate to master these lifts.

We are a fully licenced travel agent and can organise flights from any capital city. Ask for a ski and fly package.

* prices correct as of TBC. LAND ONLY

Guiding & hosting every day

7 nights twin/triple share accommodation

Methven Heli “PERFECT” 5-RUN DAY

5 Guided days at any/all of the following resorts: Mt Hutt/Porters/Craigieburn/Broken River/Cheeseman/Olympus

Methven Heli

Methven Heliski’s territory (the “Arrowsmiths”) spans 3 mountain ranges, The Arrowsmith, Ragged, and Palmer Ranges. These mountains have some of New Zealand’s best Heliski terrain:
– Over 1,000 square km of mountains to roam
– Over 200 named heli-skiing runs
– Average vertical drop approx 850 vertical metres

Craigieburn

What gets us excited about Craigeburn are the steep, tight chutes, long open basins, deep powder and limitless potential for those willing to take on the adventure. Middle Basin is outstanding with the kind of terrain normally accessible only by helicopter. The tows here are fast and the new day lodge has a million dollar view into Middle Basin.

Broken River

This classic clubfield features two big open bowls with varied natural hips, berms, rollers and windlips which make for heaps of fun, and the surrounding ridges and peaks have steeps, chutes and rock drops which will provide the thrill seeker with plenty of adrenaline. With a fresh dump at night and no one around, you’ll feel on top of the world.

Porters

The closest ski area to Christchurch, a short access road, fantastic slopes and great terrain for experts. Porters have a new quad chair and three consecutive T-bars to take you skyward, views to Lake Coleridge and Mt Olympus from the top. Heading left or right you can opt to take groomed runs varying in pitch from winding cat tracks to wide and fast pistes. Heading out wide from the top you’ll find the powder of Big Mama and Bluff Face.

Cheeseman

Mt Cheeseman is a club ski area with a difference. It has a distinctive friendly vibe as well as offering diverse terrain for all abilities and loads of great facilities. The top of the Main T-bar lift has plenty of wide-open groomed trails and The Ridge T-bar lift takes you to the top offering challenging off-piste skiing with spectacular views. Those after a powder fix can head to the shaded face below Mt Cockayne or along Ridge Run to Sunny Face. The Ridge T-Bar offers access to Tarn Basin, and where we will be spending most of the day.

The licenced day lodge with Cockayne Café, ticket office, gear hire and plenty of storage for bags etc. The sunny deck out front is perfect to watch the action while you enjoy a fresh espresso coffee.

Mt Hutt

This well know mountain has something for eveyone and is where we spend a few days getting our legs warm. But thats not to say that Mt Hutt is mellow, it’s not. With Bob’s Nob, the South Face and Rakaia Saddle Chutes there is plenty to get the heart racing. Long runs in a mix of terrain, excellent facilities, laid-back atmosphere and a 10,000 sq m terrain park.

Breckenridge Lodge

Your hosts Marek & Cathie at Breckenridge Lodge will ensure that you have an enjoyable stay on tour. The lodge offers you a true Chalet experience, just a short 5 minute walk from the centre of town, where you will find an array of superb bars, restaurants & cafes. There are 16 rooms complete with a private ensuite, fresh towels and linen, electric blankets, television, alarm clock radio and heating for your comfort. Included in your ROOM RATE is a FREE Continental breakfast. For a few mornings during your stay your guides will cook up a few mean NZ breakies to get you going on those cold mornings.

EXAMPLE ITINERARY

Travel daysUpon landing at Christchurch Airport, you’ll be meet by your Whiteroom Tours guide and transfer to Breckenridge Lodge in Methven. Settle into your comfortable accommodation and get ready to head out for your welcome dinner party and your first round of Speights.

Day 1Get up early for your first day at Mt Hutt. This is the perfect opportunity to warm up and get your legs in. Mt Hutt is the closest hill to Methven and Canterbury’s hub for skiing and snowboarding, from Towers to Virgin Mile, South Face to Bobs Knob, Mt Hutt is known for its steep terrain and getting as many runs in as we can with the high speed 6 seater lift.

Day 2Our first day towards the clubbies, we head to either Broken River, Craigieburn, Mt Cheeseman or Porters (depending on weather). Each of the club fields has their own unique experience, from the steep chutes of Craigieburn to the bowls of BR and the relaxed atmosphere of Cheeseman and Porters with easy ridgeline backcountry access and stunning views, skiing and riding here is what its all about.

Day 3Day tour to Broken River, Craigieburn, Mt Cheeseman or Porters (depending on weather). You will be physically challenged by rope tows and hiking and mentally challenged by the Kea, the smartest bird in the world! Be sure to keep you lunch and shiny objects close, if we go to BR be sure to finish your day with the smell of fresh venison from the BBQ and a BR lager. If you don’t have your lunch packed, they’ll even whip up a fresh pizza for you.

Day 4Day tour to either Broken River, Craigieburn, Mt Cheeseman or Porters (depending on weather). T bars, Mt Cokayne and short touring in Tarn Basin, Cheeseman has a great relaxed vibe, fresh espresso on arrival, local food and a good time with great views. This area is a favourite for ski touring with sheltered aspects and easy walk outs pack a chocolate bar and some water.

Day 5HELI DAY! dependent on weather and availability. Nowhere else in NZ (outside of the Mt Cook area) can you find the glaciated high-alpine heliskiing terrain that Methven Heliski offers. Methven Heli terrain is so extensive that we are often heliskiing in the sun when Mt Hutt ski area and Mt Potts are draped in cloud. This day can also be a rest day, as we ski/ride all week we may need a day in a hot tub or a weather contingency day.

Day 6Day tour to either Broken River, Craigieburn, Mt Cheeseman or Porters (depending on weather). Porters have a new quad chair and three consecutive T-bars to take you skyward, views to Lake Coleridge and Mt Olympus from the top. Heading left or right you can opt to take groomed runs varying in pitch from winding cat tracks to wide and fast pistes. Heading out wide from the top you’ll find the powder of Big Mama and Bluff Face. Porters has something for everyone.

Day 7

Time to say goodbye and take a jet plane back to reality.

NOTE: This itinerary is an example. The tour will be run largely by the weather and each day will fit around where the best conditions are. We may head to may change which club fields we go to and when the Heli day will take place so that you can score the best conditions possible. This is the beauty of such a tour.

Hey mate,

“Just wanted to say a big thanks for the clubbie trip. Was an awesome time with some sweet terrain. Two days of Helis was a great call. Going back to work has been extremely depressing.”.

Cheers,

Lloyd

Hi Paul

Just wanted to drop you a note and say thanks for a great tour. Both Joe and myself thoroughly enjoyed the week.

Methven, Mt Hutt and all the club fields were absolutely great, but the highlight was obviously the Heli-skiing.

The weather was trying, but we go some great skiing in the mountains.

Graeme is an exceptional individual and he really made the tour a wonderful experience

His depth of experience, local knowledge and friendliness is unsurpassed and he really went out of his way to give us the best tour experience you could ask for.

Professional qualities like that are hard to find in individuals, so hang onto him as he is a real asset to your company.

Once again many thanks from Joe and myself and we will see you next year!!

Regards Ivor

Hi Paul,

Just wanted to give you some feedback on Graeme and our tour.

Graeme was the perfect host and tour guide. His approach, nature and attitude are a credit to your company and I and the other guys had a brilliant time.

He was part local, part weatherman, part organiser extreme, and most of the time just a great mate to ski with who made sure everything was arranged before we even needed to think about it.

He even spent the day with me when I switched from the boards to a snowboard and had my riding switch and going down black runs in no time at all! And even when I completely ignored his advice and went on the rope tows “my way” he still took me aside and helped me out and made sure I knew what I needed to do.

His contacts in that area are the loveliest guys you could meet and the heli boys (and girl) are brilliant. He is a consummate professional and you are very fortunate to have him on board.

I will have no hesitation recommending your business and Graeme and the trip everyone and will be thinking very seriously about joining you guys in Japan in Feb.